PACU orientation nightmare

Specialties PACU

Published

Specializes in ED/ICU.

I have been an ICU /ED nurse for 16 years. I transferred from ICU to PACU , I have been in PACU for 18 days . I had an 8 day orientation with 3 different nurses. With no feedback they let me start taking patients on my 18th day I was called into the office by my manager (thinking it was my evaluation) with HR and I was told I was going to be disciplined. I asked if I can get my CNA rep ... I was shocked ... that they were ready to disciplined me with no warning . I had a lousy orientation.. no curriculum to follow, the preceptors never talked to me about my progress or shortcomings ... and here they are ready to disciplined/ suspend me . No patient was harmed . I am on administrative leave till we have the meeting... it’s a shock and so ridiculous. I feel like I was blindsided and was setup for failure. Any thoughts? I also worked for this hospital for 12 years .

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Run! I’d be looking for jobs elsewhere. Sounds like a toxic environment.

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Disciplined for what? What could you have possibly done in your less than 3 weeks in the unit that warrants such punishment?

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Specializes in ICU, Trauma ICU, Neuro ICU, CVICU, CCU, MSICU.

Having your CNA Rep there for your meeting is on point. You may want to reach out to your CNA Rep on your unit or with your old unit and discuss with him/her the situation and see what they say. Maybe they can find out what is going on for you. Sounds like a raw deal to me. I too am an ICU Nurse (10 years) went to PACU and had a rough start, but all is good now. Legal council may also be a choice down the road, but wait till you talk with your CNA Rep.

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Specializes in Home Health Care, ICU, nurse educator, oncology.

did you ask for suggestions or feedback from your preceptors? orientation is a two way street. as an experienced nurse you should know your limits. i have personally been a preceptor to experienced nurses that acted as "know it all" and unable to work as part of team. these individuals were taken off orientation and then given the opportunity to prove themselves. maybe this is what happened to you. i suggest you go to the meeting with a humble mindset and then ask for more orientation. do not be critical and in your next orientation...ask for feedback and show your preceptor you wamt to learn

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Specializes in ED/ICU.

I did ask for feedback numerous times . My first day ... then asked to fill out my folder & none of them bother to put anything. In It. I am not a know it all. I am the type of person that learns anything from anyone . Even talking to the pharmacy tech , EVS, transport tech ..., just to work as a team . I believe in teamwork and situational awareness . Unfortunately, I was Ins unit with women who have really strong personalities. I am sorry if you think am a “know it all “. Having worked at a place for almost 13 years .... I think I have the emotional intelligence to understand people and situations. Unfortunately, our CNA is filing a grievance for the unpaid days that I reoriented.

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Specializes in Home Health Care, ICU, nurse educator, oncology.

i didn't say you are a "know it all". i stated that i personally have orientated nurses whom acted in that matter. i am glad you have a union to advocate for you. i wish you sincere good luck in staying with PACU or, if that is your choice....returning to the ICU.

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Specializes in ED/ICU.

Thank you for your feedback... I think am going to seek legal action at this point . They have not responded to our CNA reps email.

thank you

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Your first warning that something was wrong was a suspension?? In my experience people who are suspended are fired at the follow up meeting.

Good luck

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